Check: AOSX-09-000690
Apple OS X 10.9 Workstation STIG:
AOSX-09-000690
(in version v1 r2)
Title
Operating systems used for non-local maintenance sessions must implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of non-local maintenance and diagnostic communications. (Cat I impact)
Discussion
The telnet service must be disabled, as it sends all data, including the user's password, in a clear text form that can be easily intercepted and read. Passwords need to be protected at all times and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. Disabling telnet is one way to mitigate this risk. Administrator users should be instructed to use an alternate service that implements cryptography such as SSH.
Check Content
The service 'telnet' should be disabled, to check the status of the service, run the following command: sudo /usr/libexec/PlistBuddy -c 'print com.apple.telnetd:Disabled' /var/db/launchd.db/com.apple.launchd/overrides.plist If the returned value isn't 'true' or doesn't exist, this is a finding.
Fix Text
To set the 'telnet' service to disabled, run the following command: sudo defaults write /private/var/db/launchd.db/com.apple.launchd/overrides.plist 'com.apple.telnetd' -dict Disabled -bool true
Additional Identifiers
Rule ID: SV-72803r1_rule
Vulnerability ID: V-58373
Group Title:
Expert Comments
CCIs
Number | Definition |
---|---|
CCI-002890 |
The information system implements cryptographic mechanisms to protect the integrity of nonlocal maintenance and diagnostic communications. |
Controls
Number | Title |
---|---|
MA-4 (6) |
Cryptographic Protection |